The Lagos State Government has launched a comprehensive Ebola prevention campaign, dubbed “Operation Lagos BioShield”, aimed at strengthening disease surveillance and boosting public awareness as several countries in East and Central Africa battle fresh outbreaks of the deadly virus.
Announcing the initiative on Saturday, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, assured residents that no confirmed Ebola case has been recorded in Lagos State or anywhere in Nigeria.
He explained that the campaign is a precautionary measure designed to prevent the possible importation of the disease into Lagos, rather than a response to any outbreak within the state.
According to Abayomi, the government considered it necessary to activate preventive measures as countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda continue to contend with Ebola outbreaks linked to the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, for which no widely available licensed vaccine or specific antiviral treatment currently exists.
The commissioner urged residents to remain calm, stressing that the state’s health authorities are vigilant and fully prepared to respond to any potential threat.
“This campaign is not a response to a crisis. It is a proactive measure to strengthen public awareness, preparedness, and prevention,” Abayomi stated.
He emphasised that prevention, prompt detection, rapid isolation of suspected cases and supportive medical care remain the most effective strategies for containing the disease. He also called for public cooperation in ensuring that health authorities receive timely information about suspected cases.
Abayomi clarified that Ebola is not transmitted through casual interaction but spreads through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids or contaminated materials of an infected individual who is already showing symptoms.
The commissioner further cautioned against misinformation and stigmatisation, noting that accurate public knowledge of the disease is crucial to successful prevention and response efforts.
Given Lagos’ position as Nigeria’s commercial centre and one of Africa’s busiest transportation hubs, Abayomi disclosed that the state government is collaborating with federal agencies, aviation authorities, maritime operators, border health officials and other public health institutions to strengthen screening and surveillance activities at entry points.
He added that the Ministry of Health would intensify awareness campaigns in schools, workplaces, homes and communities across the state in the coming weeks. The sensitisation efforts will focus on educating residents about Ebola symptoms, preventive practices and reporting procedures.
Residents returning from countries experiencing Ebola outbreaks who develop symptoms such as fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding have been advised to immediately contact emergency lines 112 or 767, or notify the State Epidemiologist, while avoiding close contact with others until medical evaluation is completed.
Abayomi expressed confidence in Lagos State’s emergency response capabilities, recalling the successful containment of the Ebola outbreak that reached Nigeria in 2014.
“Through strong leadership, effective surveillance, rapid response, and the collective efforts of healthcare workers and residents, our state successfully contained Ebola and protected millions of lives. Today, we remain prepared, vigilant, and committed to safeguarding the health of every Lagosian,” he said.
The state government reiterated its appeal to residents to stay alert, comply with public health advisories and rely on verified information as authorities continue to monitor developments in affected regions.
